perpendicular

[pəˌpɛnˈdɪkjʊlə]

perpendicular Definition

• 1. at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface
• 2. upright; vertical

Using perpendicular: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perpendicular" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The ladder was not perpendicular to the wall.

• Example

  The flagpole stood perpendicular to the ground.

• Example

  The tower was built with perpendicular walls.

perpendicular Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for perpendicular

• vertical
• upright
• straight
• orthogonal
• plumb

Antonyms for perpendicular

• horizontal
• parallel
• oblique

Phrases with perpendicular

• perpendicular parking

  a method of parking a vehicle at a right angle to the curb or another parked car

  Example

  I prefer perpendicular parking because it's easier to get in and out of the space.

• perpendicular bisector

  a line that divides a line segment into two equal parts at a right angle

  Example

  The perpendicular bisector of a line segment can be used to construct a right angle.

• perpendicular plate

  a flat bone that forms part of the nasal septum and separates the two nostrils

  Example

  The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone is located in the midline of the skull.

Origins of perpendicular

from Latin 'perpendicularis', from 'perpendiculum' meaning 'plumb line'

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Summary: perpendicular in Brief

The term 'perpendicular' [pəˌpɛnˈdɪkjʊlə] describes a line, plane, or surface that is at a 90° angle to a given reference. It can also mean upright or vertical. Examples include 'The ladder was not perpendicular to the wall.' and 'The tower was built with perpendicular walls.' Phrases like 'perpendicular parking' and 'perpendicular bisector' denote specific applications of the concept.